Leading-Edge Treatment

Our multidisciplinary team uses sophisticated technologies that are available at only a small number of pediatric institutions nationwide. One example is found within the Pediatric Radiotherapy Program, co-sponsored by the University Hospital Barrett Cancer Center. In addition to providing traditional radiotherapy modalities, the program offers leading-edge treatments that deliver high doses of radiation therapy while sparing healthy tissue. Treatments include:

“Shaped-beam” stereotactic radiation therapy, which delivers high doses of radiation using custom-shaped beams

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which allows physicians to modulate the intensity of radiation beams and deliver radiation that conforms to the tumor’s shape

Helical image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), also called TomoTherapy, which combines advanced image guidance and precise radiation therapy technology to target the tumor from many directions

As a result, Cincinnati Children’s has become a national referral center for patients and families seeking precision radiation therapy.

BrainSUITE

Another example of our program’s sophisticated technologies is the BrainSUITE, an operating room whose highly specialized equipment helps surgeons be more precise in locating and removing brain tumors. This can help preserve areas of the brain that control important functions such as speech and movement.

During surgeries on the brain, computer-generated images automatically match information from diagnostic tests with the patient’s position on the operating table. This allows the neurosurgeon to see the exact position of the surgical instruments in relation to the targeted brain tissue. Cincinnati Children’s is the first children’s hospital in the world to have this system. The technology also holds great promise for the precise delivery of novel drug therapies.

Radiology and Medical Imaging

Read more about radiology and medical imaging, including information on all types of imaging modalities used at Cincinnati Children’s.

Lillian's Story

Lillian's mother knew something wasn't right. Usually an active toddler, Lillian was sleeping all the time. When her condition hadn’t improved after a few weeks, Lillian's pediatrician sent her for a CT scan. She had a cancerous brain tumor and was sent to Cincinnati Children's for life-saving care.